Tampa Florida Personal Injury Blog

Failure to yield a common cause for motorcycle accidents

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in motorcycle accidents on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

With the number of motorcycles on the Florida roads, it is imperative for drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks to keep a close watch for them.

A common cause for motorcycle accidents is when another vehicle fails to yield. When turning, exiting a driveway or parking lot and in other circumstances, it is essential for drivers to watch for motorcycles. Since they can be difficult to see, being vigilant is a major part of safe driving. When there is a collision, motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries including head trauma, back injuries, fractures and much more. In many cases, the injuries turn out to be fatal. While a legal filing will not turn the clock back to prevent the crash, it can be helpful to pay for medical costs for those who survived and assist those who are trying to get beyond an untimely death.

Florida leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

While the overall number of traffic fatalities decreased slightly in 2018, the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths continues an alarming upward trend in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 36,560 people died on U.S. roadways last year, a decrease of 2.4%.

However, the report says highway fatalities involving other vulnerable road users saw a disturbing increase, as 6,283 pedestrians were killed, the most since 1990, and a 3.4% rise over 2017. Meanwhile, 857 cyclists were killed for a 6.3% increase.

Statistics for auto accidents show growing pedestrian danger

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in auto accidents on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Auto accidents are an unfortunate reality in Tampa, across Florida and throughout the United States. For a variety of reasons, an auto crash is one of the most common ways for people to meet an untimely death.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its most recent statistics for road fatalities. While there were marked improvements in several areas, one notable concern is the danger pedestrians face on the road. Using its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the NHTSA states that there was a 2.4% reduction in fatalities from 2017 to 2018. Although this is an undeniable positive, pedestrians as well as bicyclists were more vulnerable to injuries and death with 7,140 fatalities combined. That was a rise of 3.6% from 2017, the worst numbers since 1990.

Positives, negatives in research of truckers and truck accidents

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in truck accidents on Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Truck safety is a key consideration for Floridians and people across the United States. There are basic concerns to address for those who share the road with these large vehicles. Wondering if the trucker is distracted, under the influence, is prone to reckless behavior, is drowsy and other potential dangers is natural.

A study by Lytx shows that there may have been a reduction in truckers who drive while drowsy and fall asleep when behind the wheel. Truckers also had cut down on following too closely.

Study: pedestrian-auto accidents a major problem in Tampa

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in auto accidents on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

In Florida and throughout the United States, pedestrians are more vulnerable to injuries and fatalities in auto accidents than ever before. With the prevalence of drivers who are under the influence, distracted, negligent and commit other risky and dangerous behaviors, pedestrians are common victims with injuries and fatalities.

Research is critical to assess how and why this happens and to determine comprehensive strategies to reduce the frequency. Those who have been injured in pedestrian-auto accidents or have lost a loved one to a fatal crash should have legal advice on how to pursue compensation in a lawsuit.

Study: Teen auto accidents might be linked to brain development

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in auto accidents on Thursday, September 19, 2019.

Teens are a common sight on the Florida roadways. Their lack of experience and perceptions that they are reckless, negligent, distracted and have other flaws behind the wheel will lead to those sharing the road with them feeling fearful and concerned.

There might be a level of justification in the worries about teen drivers, but it does not necessarily mean that these are the reasons behind the danger they pose. A recent study indicates that teens' brain development might be a major part of their tendency to have auto accidents.

Fatal red light auto accidents at the worst level in 10 years

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in auto accidents on Thursday, September 5, 2019.

Floridians know how dangerous the roads can be. With the number of risks including distracted drivers, reckless drivers, drivers under the influence and more, auto accidents can happen without warning and lead to serious injuries and fatalities.

One type of accident that drivers rarely expect happens when another vehicle runs a red light. Because stopping at a red light is a foundational part of learning to drive, it is reasonable to think drivers will adhere to the law in this way. Unfortunately, this does not always happen and it is a growing cause of fatal crashes.

Age ranges key with distracted driving and risk of auto accidents

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in auto accidents on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

Distracted driving is an ongoing problem in Florida and across the nation. Although many states, including Florida, have taken steps to try and prevent it from happening and educated drivers as to the dangers, it is a behavior that is difficult to regulate and nearly impossible to stop.

A survey from Liberty Mutual Insurance indicates that, as generally expected, younger people tend to drive while distracted. However, other age groups drive while distracted more than originally thought. The study centered around drivers in the U.S. and in other parts of the world. More than 8,000 drivers took part. Millennials were found to be the likeliest to use their phones when driving. In the U.S., 86% stated they used their devices when they were behind the wheel. By comparison, 72% of those in Generation X said the same, while 49% of Baby Boomers admitted to it.

Distractions due to infotainment can cause auto accidents

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. posted in auto accidents on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Distracted driving is a problematic issue in Florida. With new laws being implemented to make the roads safer by cracking down on the practice, any strategy to improve safety is initially welcomed. While distracted driving is often believed to be due to a driver using a cellphone, there are many ways to be distracted. Ironically, one - infotainment systems - have been installed in newer vehicles specifically so drivers will not be distracted.

Recent research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that infotainment systems are distracting drivers and older drivers are particularly affected. When there are auto accidents, this can be critical for those seeking compensation in lawsuit.

Five reasons to hire a personal injury attorney

On behalf of Kimsey Law Firm, P.A. on Thursday, August 1, 2019.

A car crash can range from a minor accident to a life-altering incident. For example, a stop sign slow-speed fender bender isn’t often a reason to hire a personal injury attorney. Driving through a legal green light and getting side-swiped by a distracted or unsafe driver running a red light? That’s a blatant reason to hire a personal injury attorney and get what you deserve.